Gwen admits plans for 2013, visits outside Cebu

CEBU Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia admitted that she discussed her election plans for 2013 with six Cebuano legislators last week.

In a press conference yesterday, she said she values the “wise counsel” of the Cebuano congressmen and that they are aware of her options for 2013.

These options include running for vice governor, Congress, the Senate or a return to private life.

“As president of One Cebu party, my decision would really be based on what will be good for Cebu,” she told reporters.

Meanwhile, Garcia said she is replacing her government-issued vehicle with a sturdier one as she will have more travels this year.

She said her trips would include provinces outside Cebu.

Next month, she is scheduled to go to Puerto Princesa as guest speaker in its first tourism congress.

On March 3, Garcia will go to Bukidnon to sign a sisterhood agreement between Bukidnon and Cebu.

Garcia recalled that during the past election, an opposition figure said all of the programs she had started such as the Suroy Suroy Sugbo and expanded Green and Wholesome Envrionment that Nurtures (eGwen) would no longer be continued.

“This is not going to be a unilateral decision that is out of the blue. This is my decision, I will continue to seek wise counsel from our congressmen,” she said.

She declined to comment further on reports about ongoing talks between Liberal Party (LP) and the Barug Alang sa Kauswagan ug Demokrasya (Bakud) Party of the Duranos.

The LP has invited Bakud member and Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale to join a coalition in 2013.

Magapale said the matter is up to party leaders to decide.

Garcia said there were more substantive things to talk about to improve the lives of Cebuanos other than talk about “plans”.

She confirmed that she has been meeting with Bakud party president, Danao City Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III since they are “allies”.

Garcia said the congressmen agreed to regularly meet with her for updates on the political situation of each of their districts.

“The tried and tested alliance with both Alayon and Bakud has given us more reason to stay united,” she added. /Carmel Loise Matus, Correspondent